Delta Agricultural Plan - The Corporation of Delta

Transcription

Delta Agricultural Plan
Phase 3 Report:
Agricultural Plan
Submitted to:
The Corporation of Delta
4500 Clarence Taylor Crescent
Delta, BC, V4K 3E2
Project Coordinator:
Ms. Lisa King, Planner
Submitted by:
Zbeetnoff Agro-Environmental Consulting
15787 Buena Vista Avenue
White Rock, BC, V4B1Z9
604-535-7721
FAX 604-535-4421
[email protected]
http://wwww.zbeetnoffagro-environmental.com/
and
Quadra Planning Consultants
1528 Celeste Crescent
Port Coquitlam, BC, V3C 1E2
604-944-9570
Fax 604-944-6701
[email protected]
October, 2011
Executive Summary
Agriculture is vitally important to Delta’s economic, environmental and social sustainability. Delta’s
current agricultural policies reflect strong support for productive agriculture, protection of the
Agricultural Land Reserve, conservation of land for soil-based agriculture, and an integrated approach to
managing the needs of agriculture, the environment and non-farming stakeholders. This Agricultural
Plan augments policies contained in the Official Community Plan (OCP) and contains strategies to assist
in pursuing the long term viability of farming in the community.
The successful future of Delta agriculture will depend on several factors, including the ability to: attract
complementary agri-industry, reduce costs, diversify, add economic value, attract new entrants,
mitigate and or offset impacts from projects, comply with regulatory processes, and meaningfully
engage the public in support of agriculture.
The planning process includes the articulation of a 20 year vision for agriculture in Delta. In the vision:
“Delta is a place where the business of farming can
prosper while contributing vitally to the community‘s
ecological attributes and social, cultural, and economic
well-being “
Delta agriculture will thrive if:

The agricultural sector is highly productive, creating efficient
production systems and significant value added activity, assisted
by well functioning infrastructure

Local agriculture effectively services local and non-local markets

Agriculture’s ecological and social attributes are recognized by
and cost-shared with society

Farming is attractive and accessible, providing a successful
alternative career for younger people and new entrants
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Agriculture will have successfully adapted into the future by
adopting new technology, embracing innovation, adjusting to
climate change, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
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Key Recommendations
Based on the Vision, the Agricultural Plan focuses on strategies in several key areas. The key
recommendations, below, list those actions that Delta should undertake to promote and enhance its
agricultural sector. Detailed discussion of recommendations is presented in Section 5 of this report. It
should be noted that implementation of some of the recommendations is a shared responsibility
between local, regional and senior levels of government, as well as farmers themselves, and not solely
the Corporation of Delta. Highest priority recommendations are:
Improving the Economic Sustainability of Delta Agriculture
1. Participate in implementing the Regional Food Systems Strategy by working with the Metro
Vancouver Agricultural Advisory Committee regionally and coordinating with the Delta
Agricultural Advisory Committee locally (section 5.1.1, p. 6).
2. Create an economic development initiative for agriculture in Delta, tasked with finding and
promoting opportunities for agricultural processing in Delta, identifying new crop opportunities,
liaising with agricultural researchers and technology providers, attracting business, and
identifying funding and programs (section 5.1.1, p. 6).
3. Investigate the feasibility of attracting processors for local crops by providing financial incentives
and serviced locations. Identify and target appropriate scale niche and value chain opportunities
presented by the Delta agricultural sector (section 5.1.1, p. 6).
4. Advocate with Metro Vancouver for regional bulk water rates for agriculture or otherwise
reduce the cost of municipal water to farmers (section 5.1.2, p. 6).
5. Assist farmers to navigate the regulatory requirements in pursuing innovative projects (e.g.,
energy and waste management technologies), on-farm value added and diversification (section
5.1.4, p. 7).
6. Work with farmers to develop technological and land based solutions to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions associated with agricultural practices and to make farm business more resilient to
future impacts of climate change by investing in adaptation strategies for agriculture. (section
5.1.4, p. 7).
7. Support farmers in dealings with federal and provincial agencies, such as the Department of
Fisheries and Oceans and BC Ministry of Environment, to ensure that conditions for efficient
agriculture are enhanced, and specifically work toward “agriculture-friendly” protocols for ditch
and dike maintenance that protect the environment and are timely, reasonable and feasible
from an agricultural perspective (section 5.1.5, p. 8).
8. Regularly review and update checklists and guidelines to assist farmers with municipal
regulatory processes, encourage pre-application meetings, and conduct site visits to gain
understanding of proposed farm improvements where appropriate (section 5.1.5, p. 8).
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Enhancing Agricultural Resource Use
9. Monitor and report on water quality related to agricultural water needs and use (section 5.2.1,
p. 8).
10. Ensure municipal water is accessible to support high valued crops production and on-farm
processing (section 5.2.1, p. 8).
11. Continue to improve agricultural drainage and irrigation (section 5.2.1, p. 8).
12. Update irrigation information to identify other areas where water-related factors continue to be
a production constraint and lobby for financial programs to improve and extend irrigation
improvements, to areas such as southeast Delta and Westham Island (section 5.2.1, p. 9)
13. Update the Delta Strategic Transportation Plan by taking into account the effects of commuters
and population growth on rural traffic congestion, providing continued farmer access to dikes,
and including identification of, and strategies to improve accessibility to, hard-to-reach farmland
in Delta (section 5.2.2, p. 9).
Creating Opportunities for Efficiency, Competitiveness, Diversification and New Entrants
14. In collaboration with Metro Vancouver, neighbouring municipalities and BC Ministry of
Agriculture, investigate options for providing agrologist services to assist start up farmers and
identify funding sources to pursue new business ideas (section 5.3.1, p. 9).
15. Enhance relationships with Delta farmers, secondary and post-secondary education institutions,
agricultural academies, ministries and associations to facilitate events and initiatives to provide
new/young farmers with training, mentoring, technical expertise, production knowledge, and
access to agricultural programs that would promote knowledge transfer and build capacity in
smaller scale farming (section 5.3.1, p. 9).
16. Explore and support farming models that develop stronger connections between the farming
community and the local marketplace and encourage new agricultural enterprise, such as
community supported agriculture, cooperatives, local food alliances, and community networks
(section 5.3.1, p. 10).
17. Investigate incentives to encourage active farmland use, by improving access by aspiring and
landless farmers, spurring existing non-farming farmland owners to lease out their land,
discouraging non-farm use, exploring agricultural trusts, and encouraging longer lease terms
(section 5.3.2, p. 10).
18. Improve enforcement of existing regulations in farming areas including soil filling, storage, waste
dumping, and maintenance of agricultural properties, engaging the Agricultural Advisory
Committee to assist in spotting violations and problem areas (section 5.3.3, p. 11).
19. Explore financial mechanisms to address farmland speculation and deter non-agricultural
development on farmland (section 5.3.3, p. 11).
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Increasing Public Support for Agriculture
20. Build on existing farmer supported agricultural awareness events such as “Farm Hike by Bike” or
“A Day at the Farm”, Delta Farm Tours, and “Meet Your Maker” events, work with local
tourism/hospitality industry to initiate ‘taste of Delta’ food promotions at Delta restaurants and
hotels, and other opportunities for the public to experience local food and agriculture (section
5.4.1, p. 12).
21. Expand the agriculture webpage on Delta’s website, with ‘operation/farmer of the month’
features, ‘fact sheets’, seasonal updates, and provide links to resources for residents who want
to connect to local agriculture, such as the seasonal Farm Fresh Guide (section 5.4.1, p. 12).
22. Develop a multi-partner communication plan to engage farm groups, e.g., by creating contact
lists of farmers willing to educate the public, distributing a “Champions of Farming” speakers list
to the Rotary Club, Delta Chamber of Commerce and other groups, and encouraging
presentations on agricultural issues, and to engage the public, (e.g., including agricultural
awareness events, newspaper coverage, crop information, and farm field identification) (section
5.4.1, p. 12).
23. Support and expand opportunities for community gardens/urban agriculture demonstrations to
promote agricultural awareness, through additional funding, supportive bylaws and provision of
land (section 5.4.1, p. 12)
24. Support educational initiatives including agriculture in the secondary school curriculum
(agriculture in the classroom), SRD 4-H and agriculture forums for municipal staff and politicians,
engaging the Delta School District, Fraser Health Authority, and Metro Vancouver to host
(section 5.4.1, p. 12).
25. Create an annual municipal bursary fund to support a student studying agriculture or agrology
(section 5.4.1, p. 12)
26. Encourage reports and research that show what the returns to farmers are on agricultural
products, where the food dollar goes in the food chain, and the cost of food in relation to other
staples in the community (section 5.4.1, p. 12).
27. Engage with the Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust (DFWT) to promote initiatives to foster public
awareness of how farmland sustains wildlife and habitat and to build support for more equitable
sharing of the costs of providing ecological goods and services (section 5.4.2, p. 13).
28. Lobby the ALC, provincial ministries, BC Environmental Assessment Office and the Canadian
Environmental Assessment Agency to develop a better accounting perspective for agencies to
protect farmland and avert the loss of agricultural land base to public infrastructure works,
transportation projects, land claims, wildlife and fisheries policy, incorporating as a last resort
enhancement, compensation and mitigation to offset negative impacts on agriculture (section
5.4.2, p. 13).
29. Work with Metro Vancouver and other Lower Mainland municipalities to investigate the
feasibility of regional branding for agricultural products, developing a “buy regional” policy for
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local governments, and engaging businesses, schools, government agencies, and institutions to
participate (section 5.4.3, p. 13).
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Glossary of Terms1
Agricultural enterprise zone - refers to designated area where a planning authority uses zoning, tax
exemptions and other programs to stimulate the location of agriculture-related businesses, such as feed
stores or veterinarians, and the development of new enterprises, such as food processing and storage
facilities.
Agricultural Trust – a non-profit organization that either owns land or holds certain property rights with
a commitment to ensure that farmland is managed, preserved, restored and stewarded for the longterm benefit of agriculture and to provide affordable land to beginning farmers.2
Agricultural Sector - includes the production and consumption of food and consists of all businesses
involved in producing, harvesting, distribution and retailing of food products.
Agri-tourism - involves any agriculturally-based operation or activity that brings visitors to a farm or
ranch including buying produce direct from a farm stand, navigating a corn maze, picking fruit, feeding
animals, or staying at a bed and breakfast on a farm.
Bona fide farmer - is a farm operator who uses farmland to produce agricultural products with the
expectation of profit.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) - Members of CSAs provide farmers a set fee at the beginning
of the growing season and then receive proportional shares in the annual output of the participating
farm or farms.
Food processing - is the transformation of food from its raw state into something that can be stored or
eaten. It ranges from basic processing like grading and bagging fresh foods to developing highly refined
and packaged foods.
Food system - is the sequence of activities linking food production, processing, distribution and access,
consumption and waste management as well as all the associated supporting and regulatory institutions
and activities.
Local food - is food produced or processed within a particular geographic boundary. In this report, local
food refers to food grown and harvested in the Lower Mainland region.
Revitalization tax exemption program bylaw - a provision of the Community Charter permitting
municipalities to exempt property from property tax to encourage various types of revitalization to
achieve a range of environmental, economic or social objectives. 3
1
Some of these terms are taken from Metro Vancouver. 2011. Regional Food System Strategy.
http://www.metrovancouver.org/planning/development/RegionalFoodSystems/Documents/RegionalFoodSystemS
trategy.pdf
2
See Hamilton, B. 2004. Agricultural Land Trust Research Project. Prepared for the Triple R Community Futures
Development Corporation. http://www.manitobaresearchallianceced.ca/Documents/44-AgriculturalLandTrust.pdf
3
Ministry of Community Services. 2008. Revitalization Tax Exemptions: A Primer on the Provisions in the
Community Charter.
http://www.brownfieldrenewal.gov.bc.ca/docs/community_charter_revital_tax_exemptions.pdf
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Urban agriculture - is the practice of producing food within cities that encompasses a broad range of
initiatives and production models that share the objective of providing urban residents access to fresh
food grown in backyard gardens, roof top gardens, community gardens and urban farms.
Value adding - is a change in the physical state of a product, such as by food processing, drying, canning,
juicing, handcrafting, unique packaging, labeling and marketing, that enhances its value by adding
features that appeal to consumer needs and perceptions. Agribusinesses add value to acquire a greater
portion of the value of that product at final sale.
Value chain - refers to a supply chain where a relationship is formed among firms based on cooperation
and partnerships in responding to market demands or producing at a scale that is profitable.
Working agriculture - is defined as agricultural activity carried out as a business with an expectation of
profit.
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Acronyms Used in the Agricultural Plan and Appendix
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AAC – Agricultural Advisory Committee
ALUI – Agricultural Land Use Inventory
AAFC – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
ALC – Agricultural Land Commission
ALR – Agricultural Land Reserve
ARDCORP – Agricultural Research and Development Corporation
BCAA – BC Assessment Authority
BCAC – BC Agriculture Council
BCAFM – BC Association of Farmers Markets
BCATA – BA Agri-Tourism Association
BCFPA – BC Food Processors Association
BCMA – BC Ministry of Agriculture
BMP – Beneficial Management Practice
CEAA – Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
CFBMC – Canadian Farm Business Management Council
CFIA – Canadian Food Inspection Agency
COABC – Certified Organic Associations of BC
CRAFT – Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training in Ontario
CWS – Canadian Wildlife Service
DAS – Delta Agricultural Society
DSD – Delta School District
Delta – Corporation of Delta
DCOC – Delta Chamber of Commerce
DFO – Department of Fisheries and Oceans
DPTLC – Delta Port Truck Liaison Committee
DUC – Ducks Unlimited Canada
DFWT – Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust
EAO – BC Environmental Assessment Office
EFP – Environmental Farm Plan
EWS – Earthwise Society
FCC – Farm Credit Canada
FF/CF – Farm Folk/City Folk
FHA - Fraser Health Authority
FIRB – Farm Industry Relations Board
FVFDMA – Fraser Valley Farm Direct Marketing Association
FVREB – Fraser Valley Real Estate Board
FVRD – Fraser Valley Regional District
GHG – Greenhouse gases
IAF – Investment Agriculture Foundation, BC
KPU – Kwantlen Polytechnic University
LFF – Local Food First
LMHIA – Lower Mainland Horticultural Improvement Association
MOED – Ministry of Education
MOEN – Ministry of Environment
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MOTI – Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure
NGO – Non-Government Agency
NWSEP – National Water Supply Expansion Program
OCP – Official Community Plan
PIBC – Planning Institute of British Columbia
RCA – Revenue Canada Agency
REBGV – Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver
RFSS – Metro Vancouver Food Systems Strategy
SFCF – South Fraser Community Futures
SRD4-HD - Surrey-Richmond-Delta 4-H District
SSFPA – Small Scale Food Processor Association
TLC – The Land Conservancy
TSI – Terminal Systems Inc.
UBCM – Union of BC Municipalities
UBC University of British Columbia
UFV – University of the Fraser Valley
WWOOF – World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary........................................................................................................................................ i
Key Recommendations ............................................................................................................................. ii
Glossary of Terms......................................................................................................................................... vi
Acronyms Used in the Agricultural Plan and Appendix ............................................................................. viii
Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................... x
List of Tables ............................................................................................................................................... xii
Acknowledgements..................................................................................................................................... xii
1.0
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
2.0
Purpose of the Agricultural Plan ...................................................................................................... 1
3.0
Findings of Investigations ................................................................................................................ 1
3.1
Key Findings of the Phase 1 Report – Delta Agriculture Profile .................................................... 2
3.2
Key Findings of the Phase 2 Report – Issues and Options ............................................................ 2
3.2.1 Key Issues ................................................................................................................................ 2
3.2.2 A Vision for Agriculture in Delta .............................................................................................. 3
3.2.3 Goals of the Agricultural Plan.................................................................................................. 4
4.0
Planning Framework ........................................................................................................................ 5
4.1
Agricultural Principles and Policies of the OCP ............................................................................. 5
4.2
The Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC) ................................................................................. 5
5.0
5.1
Agricultural Plan Recommendations – Action Framework .............................................................. 5
Objective 1: Improve the Economic Sustainability of Delta Agriculture....................................... 5
5.1.1 Action Area #1: Local Processing and Marketing Options ...................................................... 6
Recommendations.............................................................................................................................. 6
5.1.2 Action Area #2: High Input Costs ............................................................................................ 6
5.1.3 Action Area #3: Rural-Urban Interface.................................................................................... 7
5.1.4 Action Area #4: Appropriate New Technology ....................................................................... 7
5.1.5 Action Areas #5: Regulatory Constraints and Compliance Costs ............................................ 8
5.2
Objective 2: Enhance the Agricultural Resource Base .................................................................. 8
5.2.1 Action Area #6: Drainage and Irrigation.................................................................................. 8
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5.2.2 Action Area #7: Rural Roads, Transportation and Field Access .............................................. 9
5.3
Objective 3: Create Opportunities for Efficiency, Competitiveness, Diversification and New
Entrants ..................................................................................................................................................... 9
5.3.1 Action Area #8: Smaller Scale Farming and Diversification .................................................... 9
5.3.2 Action Area #9: Lease Access to Farmland............................................................................ 11
Recommendations............................................................................................................................ 11
5.3.3 Action Area #10: Non-Farm Use of the ALR .......................................................................... 11
5.4
Objective #4: Increase Public Support for Agriculture ................................................................ 12
5.4.1 Action Area #11: Public Awareness of Local Agriculture ...................................................... 12
5.4.2 Action Area #12: Public Awareness and Responsibility for Induced Agricultural Impacts ... 13
5.4.3 Action Area #13: Institutional Support for Agriculture ......................................................... 14
6.0
Implementation Plan ..................................................................................................................... 15
7.0
Agricultural Plan Performance Indicators ...................................................................................... 24
7.1
Improve the Economic Sustainability of Delta Agriculture ......................................................... 24
7.2
Enhance the Agricultural Resource Base .................................................................................... 24
7.3
Create Opportunities for Efficiency, Competitiveness, Diversification and New Entrants......... 24
7.4
Increase Public Support for Agriculture ...................................................................................... 24
APPENDICES ................................................................................................................................................ 26
Appendix A: Delta Agricultural Policies in the Official Community Plan ................................................ 27
Appendix B: Summary of Recommended Actions, Implementing Agencies, Priority for Action, and
Suggested Timeline ................................................................................................................................. 29
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List of Tables
Table 1: Highest Priority Recommended Actions for Implementing the Delta Agricultural Plan ............... 17
Acknowledgements
The Agricultural Plan has been prepared by Darrell Zbeetnoff of Zbeetnoff Agro-Environmental
Consulting and Michael McPhee of Quadra Planning Consultants. This report has been funded in part by
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the BC Ministry of Agriculture, and the Investment Agriculture
Foundation of BC
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the BC Ministry of Agriculture and the Investment Agriculture
Foundation of BC, are pleased to participate in the production of this report. They are committed to
working with their industry partners to address issues of importance to the agriculture and agri-food
industry in British Columbia. Opinions expressed in this report are those of the authors and not
necessarily those of the Investment Agriculture Foundation, the BC Ministry of Agriculture or Agriculture
and Agri-Food Canada.
Members of the Delta Agricultural Advisory Committee are recognized for their valuable contributions in
the preparation of this Plan. They include:
 Mayor Lois Jackson, Chair
 Councilor Ian Paton, Vice Chair
 Oliver Busby
 Nancy Chong
 Clarence de Boer
 Peter Guichon
 Brent Kelly
 Jerry Keulen
 Lydia Ryall
 Paul Van Westendorp
 Kathleen Zimmerman, Regional Agrologist, BC Ministry of Agriculture
 Ms. Lisa King, Staff Liaison, Planning
Delta staff assisted the development and review of the Agricultural Plan, including Ms. Marcy Sangret,
Deputy Director of Community Planning and Development; Ms. Susan Elbe, Planner; Mr. Harald
Fograscher, Manager of Utilities and Construction; Mr. Gordon Botha, Roads Engineer; and Michael
Cotton, Municipal Accountant.
In addition, we are grateful to members of the community who made themselves available for
interviews that provided insight into agricultural challenges and opportunities in Delta.
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1.0
Introduction
The Corporation of Delta has commissioned this Agricultural Plan to assist with the implementation of
agricultural policies contained in the municipality’s Official Community Plan (OCP). The OCP identified a
need to update the 1994 Delta Rural Land Use Study. The Agricultural Plan builds upon the Rural Land
Use Study to respond to the current agricultural challenges and opportunities in Delta.
Recommendations and implementation strategies for pursuing actions explored in workshops held with
agricultural producers and other stakeholders in 2010-2011 are included in the Agricultural Plan. The
reports created in developing the Agricultural Plan and workshops are listed below.
 Stakeholder Workshop #1, October 2010
 Phase 1 Report: Delta Agricultural Profile, September, 2010 and finalized in June, 2011
 Stakeholder Workshop #2, February, 2011
 Phase 2 Report: Issues and Options, April, 2011, and finalized in June, 2011.
2.0
Purpose of the Agricultural Plan
The purpose of the Agricultural Plan is to develop a strategy that supports agriculture and integrates the
sector more closely with the community. Farming is an integral part of Delta and considered essential to
Delta’s economy and residents’ quality of life. At the same time, continued agricultural viability is
recognized as a key consideration to ensure the long-term future of the sector.
The Agricultural Plan is consistent with the OCP objectives:4
 Protect the agricultural land base and lands included in the Agricultural Land Reserve
 Minimize conflicts at the urban-rural interface
 Diversify farm operations to support agricultural viability and sustainability
 Ensure the appropriate size and siting of farmhouses and additional farmhouses in
agricultural areas
 Balance the interests of agriculture, the protection of the environment and the co-operative
management of the Fraser River delta ecosystem
 Recognize recreational uses that are compatible with agriculture
 Continue to strategically plan for agricultural land use.
The Agricultural Plan articulates a strategy of actions to addresses issues with the continued strength of
the sector in mind. Investigation and consultations during the Agricultural Plan process assisted in
formulating goals to guide the plan and provide further context for the OCP objectives.
This Phase 3 Report: Draft Agricultural Plan transforms the vision for agriculture and the issues into:
 A statement of goals of the Agricultural Plan to address the key issues
 Recommended actions to achieve the goals
 A timeframe for implementing actions and their relative priority
 Agent(s) with responsibility to implement the actions
 Proposed performance indicators to measure progress of the Agricultural Plan.
3.0
Findings of Investigations
The information generated in the planning process has directed the content of the Agricultural Plan.
4
Delta Official Community Plan. http://www.corp.delta.bc.ca/assets/CPD/PDF/ocp_draft_20050901.pdf
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3.1
Key Findings of the Phase 1 Report – Delta Agriculture Profile
The Phase 1 Report: Delta Agriculture Profile revealed that the Delta agricultural sector consists
predominantly of large, well-established and efficient agricultural operations specialized in domestic and
export markets. Delta’s agricultural sector is unique in regard to the size of its farms. Its commercial
farms are among the largest in size in the Lower Mainland and make use of a high level of land leasing in
their operations.
The contribution of agriculture to the local economy and community is significant:
 Farming occurs on 42.5% (7,703 ha) of the land area of Delta
 The sector generated gross farm receipts(GFRs) of about $190 million in 2005
 The sector spends over $166 million annually in operating expenses
 At the provincial level, Delta represents almost 50% of the potato area, 50% of the greenhouse
vegetable area and about 25% of the field vegetable acreage.
 Average GFRs in Delta, at $25,000 per ha when greenhouse production is included, were the
highest of any local jurisdiction in BC
 Agriculture employs the equivalent of 1,500 person years on farms in Delta
 Wages paid in 2005 totaled $34.3 million.
Nonetheless, Delta agriculture is facing a combination of developments and trends that are challenging
the sector:
 Regional loss of processing options threatens existing cropping options and rotations, with no
alternatives readily available
 Infrastructure (e.g., irrigation, drainage and agricultural transportation network) is critical and
needs to be continuously improved
 Farmers face provincial, national and international market competition while subject to local
challenges of doing business with respect to regulatory compliances, input costs, taxes, labour
and energy
 Public infrastructure projects and other competitors for the land base are taking farmland,
disrupting agricultural operations, and exacerbating other issues in the area
 Wildlife are damaging field crops and jeopardizing the economic viability of established farms
 A growing non-farming population is competing with farmers for farmland, creating escalating
land values in its wake.
3.2
Key Findings of the Phase 2 Report – Issues and Options
The Phase 2 Report: Issues and Options prioritizes the key issues identified in the Phase 1 report and
development of a draft vision for Delta agriculture. Participants in the consultations also identified
preferred options that were considered in preparing the Agricultural Plan.
3.2.1 Key Issues
The overriding concern of the agricultural sector is maintaining its viability in the face of numerous
challenges. Various issues were grouped into four key issue areas with corresponding action areas.
1. Key Issue: Threatened Economic Sustainability of Delta Agriculture
Action Areas:
o Local Processing and Marketing Options
o High Input Costs
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o
o
o
Rural-Urban Interface
Appropriate New Technology
Regulatory Constraints and Compliance Costs.
2. Key Issue: Inadequate Agricultural Infrastructure
Action Areas:
o Drainage and Irrigation in the ALR
o Rural Roads, Transportation and Field Access.
3. Key Issue: Declining Ability to Stimulate Farming
Action Areas:
o Non-Farm Use in the ALR
o Lease Access to Farmland
o Smaller Scale Farming and Diversification.
4. Key Issue: Limited Public Appreciation of Agriculture
Action Areas:
o Public Awareness of Local Agriculture
o Public Responsibility for Induced Agricultural Impacts
o Local Institutional Support for Agriculture.
3.2.2 A Vision for Agriculture in Delta
A vision5 for agriculture in Delta in 2030 has been crafted.
Vision
“Delta is a place where the business of farming can prosper while
contributing vitally to the community‘s ecological attributes and
social, cultural, and economic well-being”
Delta agriculture will thrive if:
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The agricultural sector is highly productive, creating efficient
production systems and significant value added activity, assisted
by well functioning infrastructure
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Local agriculture effectively services local and non-local markets
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5
Agriculture’s ecological and social attributes are recognized by
and cost-shared with society
There is opportunity for this vision to be further crafted as the Agricultural Plan is finalized.
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Farming is attractive and accessible, providing a successful
alternative career for younger people and new entrants
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Agriculture will have successfully adapted into the future by
adopting new technology, embracing innovation, adjusting to
climate change, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
3.2.3 Goals of the Agricultural Plan
The goals of the Agricultural Plan have been crafted to be consistent and supportive of the OCP policies
and objectives and reflective of priority issues in the agricultural sector. These goals recognize that
agriculture requires a favourable environment for investment and opportunity while providing
environmental and social contributions in order to garner public support.
The goals of the Agricultural Plan are:
Goal #1: To Promote the Viability of Farming in Delta
This is the overarching goal of the Agricultural Plan, articulated in the OCP and verified in consultations.
Without economic sustainability of farm operators, agriculture will not attract the interest or confidence
required to support investment or renewal in the sector.
Goal #2: To Improve Farmland Capability
Enhancing agricultural resources and maintaining farmland in productive use are equally important in
protecting the land base. Supporting working agriculture6 is the best way to achieve community
objectives for farmland. Enhanced agricultural resources are vital to agricultural productivity and
efficiency.
Goal #3: To Increase Agricultural Uses and Discourage Non-Agricultural Uses of Farmland
Agriculture is a business characterized by global competition, highly competitive pricing, and significant
production risk. Operators have responded to these challenges through the pursuit of efficiency,
economies of scale, intensification, diversification, growing new products and entering new markets.
When opportunities to adapt and respond to change are present, new entrants and investment are
attracted into the industry. Providing an attractive environment for productive agriculture is the most
effective approach to mitigating threats to farmland from non-farm land use.
Goal #4: To Appreciate Delta Agriculture as a Vital Component of Community Well-Being
The agricultural sector needs to market itself to the public in order to receive the support it needs.
Strategies to enhance support cover the spectrum ranging from marketing, services and infrastructure,
to improving conditions that allow agriculture to thrive.
6
The term “working agriculture” is defined as agricultural activity carried out as a business with an expectation of
profit.
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4.0
Planning Framework
4.1
Agricultural Principles and Policies of the OCP
The policies for agriculture in Delta in the Official Community Plan (OCP) 7 are presented in Appendix A
to provide context for the Agricultural Plan.
4.2
The Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC)
The Agricultural Plan process has been guided by the Agricultural Advisory Committee. This Committee
is appointed by Council for the purpose of advising Council on agricultural matters.
5.0
Agricultural Plan Recommendations – Action Framework
The sustainability and future viability of agriculture in The Corporation of Delta is a shared responsibility.
The Corporation of Delta, through its Official Community Plan and various bylaws plays a strong role in
some key areas related to the goals of the Agricultural Plan. In particular, through its OCP, Delta can
help protect the resource base upon which agriculture depends. It can also assist with facilitating a
“sustainable agriculture” culture that benefits the entire community by furthering economic
development, creating employment, and enhancing the rural character and environmental attributes of
the municipality.
While Delta plays an integral role in the sustainability of agriculture, the community also faces external
factors over which it does not have control. These include pressures from regional population growth
and projects, agricultural commodity markets, and policies of senior governments. Some issues that
affect agriculture are a result of historical settlement patterns and land use – such as environmental
reserves, First Nations land, small lots, ALR boundaries, water drainage and flood control patterns. In
areas where The Corporation of Delta needs cooperation, it can act as a catalyst to initiate discussions,
explore opportunities and work with other partners and interests in implementing the Agricultural Plan.
The following recommendations are meant to provide direction to the Corporation of Delta in
implementing the Agricultural Plan. In some instances, Delta will play a lead role, in others a support
role. The timeframe (immediate, short, medium and long term) for implementation is identified, along
with the priority for action (high, medium, low) in Appendix B. Some recommendations apply to
multiple objectives and are listed more than once.
5.1
Objective 1: Improve the Economic Sustainability of Delta Agriculture
By and large, Delta agricultural production has had to be sophisticated and well managed to maintain its
financial viability in close proximity to urban areas, as well as respond positively to changing markets
and global competition.
The sector faces ongoing change and needs conditions that would support adaptation to new
challenges, creating the greatest opportunity to maintain its competitiveness. In Delta, key supportive
measures include:
 Agri-industry in support of primary production
 Strategies to reduce costs – water, inputs, taxes
 Improved long term and mutually beneficial coexistence between farms and urban neighbours
7
Delta Official Community Plan. http://www.corp.delta.bc.ca/assets/CPD/PDF/ocp_draft_20050901.pdf
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Increased farming efficiencies – adoption of technology in energy, conservation, waste
management
Streamlined regulatory processes that assist adaptation and innovation in ongoing operations.
5.1.1 Action Area #1: Local Processing and Marketing Options
The role of processing in agricultural food systems is critical to economic viability. Processing is the
value-added activity needed to make beneficial use of lower grades of produce, extend the season of
supply, and produce and supply healthy food in a less perishable form.
Recommendations
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Participate in implementing the Regional Food Systems Strategy8 by working with the Metro
Vancouver Agricultural Advisory Committee regionally and coordinating with the Delta AAC
locally
Encourage and facilitate local on-farm processing opportunities with on-farm regulatory
processes and requirements that encourage diversification
Create an economic development initiative for agriculture in Delta, tasked with finding and
promoting opportunities for agricultural processing in Delta, identifying new crop opportunities,
liaising with agricultural researchers and technology providers, attracting business, and
identifying funding and programs
Investigate the feasibility of attracting processors for local crops by providing financial incentives
and serviced locations. Identify and target appropriate scale niche and value chain opportunities
presented by the Delta agricultural sector
Investigate the feasibility of attracting processors using a revitalization tax exemption program
bylaw9
Lobby for the incorporation of on-farm value-added as eligible farm income for farm tax
assessment purposes.
5.1.2 Action Area #2: High Input Costs
Cost of inputs, exacerbated by high property values and taxation, are one of the biggest concerns of
Delta farmers.
Recommendations
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8
Advocate with Metro Vancouver for regional bulk water rates for agriculture (e.g., Capital
Regional District) or otherwise reduce the cost of municipal water to farmers
Investigate the feasibility of alternative fuel technologies (e.g., cogeneration) to support farm
operations and reduce GHG emissions
Encourage farmer buying groups for inputs (fertilizer, lime, feed, other inputs)
Advocate for a regional agricultural trust to acquire agricultural land and provide affordable long
term leases to farmers
See the Regional Food Systems Strategy.
http://www.metrovancouver.org/planning/development/RegionalFoodSystems/Pages/default.aspx
9
See Ministry of Community Services (2008). Revitalization Tax Exemptions: A Primer on the Provisions of the
Community Charter (Victoria: Ministry of Community Services)
www.brownfieldrenewal.gov.bc.ca/docs/community_charter_revital_tax_exemptions.pdf and discussion in
Curran, D. and Dr. T. Stobbe. 2010. Local Government Policy Options to Protect Agricultural Land and Improve the
Viability of Farming in Metro Vancouver.
http://www.metrovancouver.org/planning/development/agriculture/AgricultureDocs/Local_Government_Policy_
Options_to_Protect_Agricultural_Land.pdf
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Lobby senior governments to investigate and research opportunities and create incentives for
farmers to reduce GHG emissions
Lobby the Province to investigate farmstead provisions that would tax agricultural buildings and
improvements of bona fide10 farmers at a lower agricultural rate or provide tax exemptions for
farm improvements (e.g., New York State, North Dakota).
5.1.3 Action Area #3: Rural-Urban Interface
Rural-urban interface issues include harassment of normal farming activities, recreational impacts on
farmland and farming operations, damages to farm property through theft, trespass and vandalism, and
stress created by unwarranted claims by non-farmers against farming practices. These conditions can
increase the cost of farming and discourage confidence in the future of the sector.
Recommendations
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Implement OCP policy to adopt BCMA edge planning guidelines for land use planning adjacent
to agriculturally zoned lands
Identify areas where dumping of waste on agricultural lands is occurring, improve frequency of
clean-up, and increase bylaw enforcement
Enforce parking regulations on farm roads (e.g., 88th Street), littering regulations on trails
adjacent to farmland (better signage), and traffic regulations, especially speeding on rural roads
Review and maintain signage and provide education material to recreational users that they are
in an agricultural area and that agricultural activities are acceptable
Require notification/disclosure on property transactions adjacent to agricultural lands that
purchasers may expect normal farm practices,11 possibly through a covenant12
Periodically review noise and hunting bylaws to ensure they are not constraining farming
5.1.4 Action Area #4: Appropriate New Technology
Energy generation and waste management are likely to be the two main areas of technology adoption
on farms in the near future. Farmers need to be able to take advantage of new opportunities to reduce
costs and environmental risks in order to maintain viability.
Recommendations
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10
Encourage technological solutions that support farms and provide opportunities to locate them
on industrial lands near farms to protect farmland
Assist farmers to navigate the regulatory requirements in pursuing innovative projects (e.g.,
energy and waste management technologies), on-farm value added and diversification
Work with farmers to develop technological and land based solutions to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions associated with agricultural practices and to make farm business more resilient to
future impacts of climate change by investing in adaptation strategies for agriculture.13
While there is no current definition of “bona fide farming”, a bona fide farmer would be a farm operator who
uses farmland to produce agricultural products with the expectation of profit.
11
In the City of Surrey, for example, at time of development Restrictive Covenants are registered on lots adjacent
to the properties designated agricultural to ensure that landscape buffers are completed and maintained. City of
Surrey. Residential Buffering Adjacent to the ALR/Agricultural Boundary. http://www.surrey.ca/files/O23.pdf
12
See discussion on disclosure statements or section 219 covenant under the Land Title Act. BC Ministry of
Agriculture and Lands. 2009. Guide to Edge planning: Promoting Compatibility Along Urban-Agricultural Edges.
http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/resmgmt/sf/publications/823100-2_Guide_to_Edge_Planning.pdf
13
The BC Agriculture & Food Climate Action Initiative is a joint project of the BC Agriculture Council and the
Investment Agriculture Foundation created to increase industry understanding of the implications of climate
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5.1.5 Action Areas #5: Regulatory Constraints and Compliance Costs
Although Delta has a good working relationship with the agricultural sector, nonetheless, regulatory
processes for farm-related activities can be complex, daunting and frustrating for farmers. The impact
of provincial and federal regulations can limit the full potential of working farms and can be considered
by farmers to be excessive constraints on farming.14
Recommendations
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5.2
Support farmers in dealings with federal and provincial agencies, such as the Department of
Fisheries and Oceans and BC Ministry of Environment, to ensure that conditions for efficient
agriculture are enhanced, and specifically work toward “agriculture-friendly” protocols for ditch
and dike maintenance that protect the environment and are timely, reasonable and feasible
from an agricultural perspective
Build agricultural understanding in municipal Hall with agriculturally qualified staff (e.g.,
professional agrologist), information sessions, tours and dialogue
Improve enforcement of existing regulations in farming areas including soil filling, storage, waste
dumping, and maintenance of agricultural properties, engaging the AAC to assist in spotting
violations and problem areas
Encourage environmental farm planning, the adoption of beneficial management practices, and
other environmental initiatives to reduce environmental risks and regulatory compliance costs
Regularly review and update checklists and guidelines to assist farmers with municipal
regulatory processes, encourage pre-application meetings, and conduct site visits to gain
understanding of proposed farm improvements where appropriate.
Objective 2: Enhance the Agricultural Resource Base
The agricultural resource base consists of the natural resources, improvements and infrastructure that
allow agriculture to be productive and provide the tools to manage production risk on the farm. Farmers
are keen to increase efficiency but without corresponding regional infrastructure, on-farm changes are
less effective.
5.2.1 Action Area #6: Drainage and Irrigation
Notwithstanding the benefits anticipated with improvements to irrigation infrastructure related to the
Gateway project, significant areas of Delta (e.g., Westham Island) continue to be undersupplied with
agricultural irrigation water while other areas are limited by drainage. Where surface irrigation water is
available, water quality is a concern. Areas of Delta continue to be challenged by inadequate drainage
that also compromises their ability to address salinity concerns.
Recommendations
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Ensure that irrigation works associated with the Gateway Project are fully implemented
Monitor and report on water quality related to agricultural water needs and use
Ensure municipal water is accessible to support high valued crops production and on-farm
processing
change, respond to and address climate change issues and opportunities, strengthen agriculture’s climate change
networks, act as a forum for sharing resources, information and tools, and communicate and collaborate with
relevant BC government agencies. http://www.bcagclimateaction.ca/wp/wp-content/media/BC-AgricultureClimate-Change-Action-Plan.pdf
14
For example, food processing rules and compliances can create excessive costs for small scale on-farm
processors, while environmental regulations may constrain the use of farmland for farming purposes.
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Continue to improve agricultural drainage and irrigation
Update irrigation information to identify other areas where water-related factors continue to be
a production constraint and lobby senior governments for financial programs to improve and
extend irrigation improvements, such as to southeast Delta and Westham Island.
5.2.2 Action Area #7: Rural Roads, Transportation and Field Access
The transportation system needs to be designed, constructed and managed with agricultural
requirements in mind.
Recommendations
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5.3
Monitor how major projects such as the Roberts Bank Rail Corridor, Gateway, and the Deltaport
affect farm access and address any problems
Update the Delta Strategic Transportation Plan by taking into account the effects of commuters
and population growth on rural traffic congestion, providing continued farmer access to dikes,
and including identification of, and strategies to improve accessibility to, hard-to-reach farmland
in Delta
Continue to work with the farming community to explore options to improve agricultural vehicle
movement (e.g., through the Highways Bylaw)
Pursue senior governments for funding for transportation improvement projects in support of
agricultural transportation
Lobby for inter-agency and TSI collaboration to reduce traffic congestion and improve rail
crossings affecting farming operations
Lobby the province for upgrading of the Westham Island Bridge to accommodate increased
traffic and larger implements.
Objective 3: Create Opportunities for Efficiency, Competitiveness,
Diversification and New Entrants
A prime consideration in a successful strategy to retain farmland in agricultural uses stems from taking
advantage of opportunities to attract innovation and new interest in agriculture. Adaptation of farmers
can be supported by creating conditions that facilitate successful change. The farming sector can be
assisted through:
 Exposure to new information, ideas and opportunities
 Business skills training in trending markets
 Development of new models for farmland access, new farmer entry, and transfer of agricultural
intelligence.
5.3.1 Action Area #8: Smaller Scale Farming and Diversification
Demand for locally produced food has created marketing opportunities for farming enterprises.
Alternative production systems and agri-tourism opportunities are also emerging trends. Innovative
farmers entering the local fresh food market may be generally characterized as smaller scale, highly
entrepreneurial risk takers but may not be highly skilled in agricultural business or production per se.
Recommendations

In collaboration with Metro Vancouver, neighbouring municipalities and BCMA, investigate
options for providing agrologist services to assist start up farmers and identify funding sources
to pursue new business ideas
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15
Undertake a needs assessment for local smaller scale farmers, including strategies for
supporting alternative cropping and farming systems (e.g., organic, biodynamic, permiculture)
that respond to local and regional niche markets15
Enhance relationships with Delta farmers, secondary and post-secondary education institutions,
agricultural academies, ministries and associations to facilitate events and initiatives to provide
new/young farmers with training, mentoring, technical expertise, production knowledge, and
access to agricultural programs that would promote knowledge transfer and build capacity in
smaller scale farming
Encourage seminars and workshops on production, niche markets, and business skills16
Explore and support farming models that develop stronger connections between the farming
community and the local marketplace and encourage new types of agricultural enterprise, such
as community supported agriculture,17 cooperatives, local food alliances,18 and community
networks.19
Lobby Farm Credit Canada for the development of financial programs to assist low equity startups and encourage development of micro-loan programs for smaller scale farming (e.g., Van City
Credit Union)
Continue to support the Ladner Village Farmers’ Market and make it more accessible to farmers
Support on-farm internship programs (e.g., Canadian Farm Business Management Council,
CRAFT20 Ontario program, WWOOF Canada21)
Develop streamlined approval and taxation regimes in support of farms pursuing
diversification22
Lobby senior governments for the development of family trust legislation to facilitate transfer of
farmland between generations.
Alternative farming systems are systems that integrate the beneficial aspects of biological interaction among
crop, pests, and their predators into profitable agricultural systems. An example of alternative farming systems
support is the US Department of Agriculture Alternative Farming Systems Information Center.
http://afsic.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?tax_level=1&info_center=2
16
The LMHIA, managed by the BCMA, conducts an annual Grower’s Short Course and uses registration and
membership funds to conduct research projects benefiting Lower Mainland farmers, publication of Production
Guides, and management of the pesticide certificate re-certification program. This organization should be
encouraged to develop programs to support innovative farmers.
http://www.agricultureshow.net/pdf/2011LMHIA.pdf
In addition, the BC Association of Farmers’ Markets offers services to members.
http://www.bcfarmersmarket.org/index.htm
17
For example, Intervale Center, Burlington, Vermont is a volunteer non-profit organization based on multi-farm
community supported agriculture and various approaches toward mentorship and business incubation.
http://www.intervale.org/programs/agricultural_development/food_hub.shtml
18
For example, the Meet Your Maker event hosted by Farm Folk/City Folk and Local Food First is an initiative to
connect local food producers with chefs, local processors and food buyers.
19
The Community Futures Network, established in 1986, is a federal program that supports local rural economic
opportunities in Canadian communities. In BC, the program offers support to entrepreneurs and facilitates
community approaches to economic development. http://www.communityfutures.ca/index.html
20
C.R.A.F.T. is a Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training in Ontario focusing on farming internship as a
vehicle for promoting ecological farming. http://www.craftontario.ca/
21
See http://www.wwoof.ca/
22
On-farm diversification refers to new enterprises or the addition of value to existing enterprises to create value
to both the consumer and the farm business.
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5.3.2 Action Area #9: Lease Access to Farmland
Leasing farmland from non-farming landowners is one of the more affordable ways to obtain access to
land in high real estate value regions, of which Delta is one. A high proportion of Delta’s commercial
farming is conducted on rented land (approximately 50% of the farmland base). Leases on farmland are
also attractive to new farmers who may not be in a position to tie up large amounts of capital in land
assets.
Recommendations
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Investigate incentives to encourage active farmland use, by improving access by aspiring and
landless farmers, spurring existing non-farming farmland owners to lease out their land,
exploring agricultural trusts, and encouraging longer lease terms
Assist in creating a website or farmland registry for linking a database of potential tenants to a
database of potential landlords23
Make municipal and Crown land available for farming under lease to young farmers and new
entrants
Lobby BCMA to develop a clearing house of information on rental terms, leases, agreements and
business arrangements, including cooperatives and farm equipment bank models
Explore new relationships with existing land trusts (e.g., Ducks Unlimited, The Land
Conservancy), to increase access to farmland by farmers.
5.3.3 Action Area #10: Non-Farm Use of the ALR
Agriculture competes for farmland with various non-farm uses looking for acreage, pastoral setting,
profit on speculation, and spaces to carry on non-farming activities. ALR farmland is highly attractive for
rural residential purposes and there is a market for storage of trucks, equipment, and recreational
vehicles on farmland. Such uses subvert the intention of the ALR and reduce the area available for
farming.
Recommendations
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23
Support Delta’s Bylaw limiting the size of the footprint and siting of residential structures and
access in the ALR to conserve farmland for agricultural production
Improve enforcement of existing regulations in farming areas including soil filling, storage, waste
dumping, and maintenance of agricultural properties, engaging the AAC to assist in spotting
Explore financial mechanisms to address farmland speculation and deter non-agricultural
development on farmland
Collaborate with the farming sector to develop a vehicle parking and storage policy in the ALR,
including options respecting non-agricultural vehicles and enforcement
Educate rural-residential property owners about normal impacts associated with adjacent
agricultural operations and create awareness among realtors and non-agricultural property
purchasers of farming activities in the ALR
Encourage agricultural and other land trusts to make their farmland available to Delta famers
without covenants24 that restrict its agricultural use
Several groups are currently working towards setting up a regional database of farmland available for lease,
including Farm Folk/City Folk and South Fraser Community Futures.
24
The ALC should be lobbied to provide the municipality with an opportunity to review and comment on any
proposed restrictive covenants on ALR farmland in Delta.
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
5.4
Initiate discussions with the Tsawwassen First Nation toward developing mutually beneficial and
supportive agricultural strategies.
Objective #4: Increase Public Support for Agriculture
People are not always aware of the contribution that agriculture makes to the economy, the quality of
life and the amenities that society enjoys. Public support has become increasingly important to
agricultural sector objectives as the interests of community, farmland protection, and economic viability
of farm operators have become more intertwined.
Agriculture stands to gain from a closer relationship with the public as the importance to community
well-being of economically sustainable local food and fibre production becomes more appreciated. This
engagement of the public needs to take the form of:
 Communicating the arguments for agricultural support
 Articulating ways the public and the agricultural sector can collaborate to pursue mutually
beneficial agricultural objectives
 Identifying actions that stakeholders should take to assist the sector.
5.4.1 Action Area #11: Public Awareness of Local Agriculture
There is opportunity to enlist the support of non-farming residents to enhance the conditions necessary
to support agricultural viability in Delta. This may be accomplished by taking steps to engage the public
in connecting community welfare with local agriculture and by attuning residents to how the agricultural
sector can be supported to achieve desired results
Recommendations
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25
Build on existing farmer-supported agricultural awareness events such as “Farm Hike by Bike”
(Earthwise) or “A Day at the Farm”, Delta Farm Tours, and “Meet Your Maker” events25, work
with local tourism/hospitality industry to initiate ‘taste of Delta’ food promotions at Delta
restaurants and hotels, and other opportunities for the public to experience local food and
agriculture
Expand the agriculture webpage on Delta’s website, with ‘operation/farmer of the month’
features, ‘fact sheets’, seasonal updates,26 and provide links to resources for residents who want
to connect to local agriculture, such as the seasonal Farm Fresh Guide
Increase information dissemination and communications with the public about mutually
beneficial agriculture/wildlife interactions in Delta
Develop a multi-partner communications plan to engage farm groups e.g. by creating contact
lists of farmers and farmers organizations27 willing to educate the public, distributing a
“Champions of Farming” speakers list to the Rotary Club, Delta Chamber of Commerce and
other groups, encouraging presentations on agricultural issues and to engage the public, (e.g.,
agricultural awareness events, newspaper coverage, crop information, and farm field
identification)
This event is sponsored in the Metro Vancouver area by Farm Folk/City Folk and Local Food First.
http://www.ffcf.bc.ca/meetyourmaker/index.html
26
Delta residents could be reminded to be patient with farm traffic, avoid parking on access roads to dikes, and to
become more attuned to seasonal agricultural activities.
27
These organizations include various associations ranging from commodity groups to COABC and BCAFM.
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Support and expand opportunities for community gardens/urban agriculture demonstrations to
promote agricultural awareness, through additional funding , supportive bylaws and provision of
land
Support educational initiatives including agriculture in the secondary school curriculum
(agriculture in the classroom), SRD 4-HD and agriculture forums for municipal staff and
politicians, engaging the Delta School District, Fraser Health Authority, and Metro Vancouver to
host
Create an annual municipal bursary fund to support a student studying agriculture or agrology28
Encourage reports and research that show what the returns to farmers are on agricultural
products, where the food dollar goes in the food chain, and the cost of food in relation to other
staples in the community
Continue Delta’s kids’ garden contest
Review and expand signage to identify agricultural areas, what is grown in those areas, and
indicate respect for farm traffic.29
5.4.2
Action Area #12: Public Awareness and Responsibility for Induced Agricultural
Impacts
The demands placed on farmlands include transportation projects, crops as food for wildlife, access for
recreational users, and open green space for social amenities. The public is not fully aware of how public
initiatives affect agriculture or the impact of the incremental and cumulative effects on the ability to
make a livelihood from farming.
Recommendations
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28
Engage with the Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust (DFWT) to promote initiatives to foster public
awareness of how farmland sustains wildlife and habitat and to build support for more equitable
sharing of the costs of providing ecological goods and services30
Lobby senior governments for programs to compensate farmers for wildlife crop damage,
through participation in federal –provincial waterfowl damage compensation programs
Lobby the ALC, provincial ministries, BC EAO and CEAA to develop a better framework for
addressing loss of land base due to public infrastructure works, transportation projects, land
claims, wildlife and fisheries policy, incorporating compensation and mitigation to offset the
negative impact on agriculture31
Support research into integrated farm-level strategies to mitigate the potential for damages
from waterfowl
This bursary would complement scholarships offered by BC Youth in Agriculture and the Delta Agricultural
Society.
29
Since 2008, Delta has implemented a crop sign identification program
30
For example, it is not widely known by the public that Delta has contributed $308,000 to date towards the Delta
Wildlife Forage Fund which has contributed to the Delta Wildlife Forage Compensation Program, Grassland Setaside program and Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust.
31
An example for agriculture may be MOEN. 2010. Towards an Environmental Mitigation and Offsetting Policy for
British Columbia: Discussion Paper. http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/emop/docs/EMOP_DiscussionPaper.pdf. This
approach would provide expectations about how agricultural impacts are addressed.
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Advocate with Metro Vancouver to establish a program to compensate farmers for ecological
goods and services that agricultural land provides (e.g. creating a regional levy)32
Work with environmental agencies to develop effective ways of managing agriculturally
sustainable wildlife populations
Lobby senior governments for waterfowl Beneficial Management Practices under the
Environmental Farm Plan program.
5.4.3 Action Area #13: Institutional Support for Agriculture
More public participation is needed to change the current model of agricultural support from reactive
crisis management approaches to pro-active actions involving the community in sustainable solutions.
This would involve public recognition of local agriculture’s beneficial role, understanding of the need for
support to sustain these benefits, and acceptance that these values should be contributed to support
agriculture.
Recommendations
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32
Work with Metro Vancouver and other lower Mainland municipalities to investigate the
feasibility of regional branding for agricultural products, developing a “buy regional” policy for
local governments, and engaging businesses, schools, government agencies, and institutions to
participate
Pursue opportunities to re-instate on-farm field trials function, specifically in relation to crops
grown in Delta and responses to cope with impending climate change
Lobby the province for a re-instatement of the “Buy BC” program
Explore on-farm carbon tax and sequestration responses that would provide economic benefits
to farming.
An example is the East Kootenay Conservation Program, where several conservation-minded agencies and the
Regional District are funding environmental projects that assist agriculture in providing ecological goods and
services. http://www.ekcp.ca/Downloads/eNews/EKCP_May2011.htm
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6.0
Implementation Plan
The implementation of the Agricultural Plan will require the coordination of various agencies in order to
address the key objectives. The recommended actions will be initiated through the actions of a lead
implementing agency and support agencies, with jurisdiction, responsibility or interest in the relevant
area. Each action is correlated with a suggested timeline and proposed actions. This information is
presented in Table 1: Summary of Delta High Priority Recommended Actions and Timeline and Appendix
B.
Table 1 summarizes actions considered to have the highest priority at the outset of the Plan. These
priorities have been developed from consultations in the sector and in consultation with the AAC. The
proposed initiatives could require different types of Corporation action depending on the jurisdiction,
scope of the issue, and scale of the recommendations, as follows:
 Continuation of Delta-initiated ongoing actions that support the Agricultural Plan
 Recommendations to initiate actions in areas Delta is not currently or minimally involved in
 Recommendations to partner and collaborate with other agencies with respect to various
initiatives, such as:
o Metro Vancouver
 Implementation of the Regional Food System Strategy
 Regional Agricultural Trust
 Ecological Goods and Services levy
 Bulk agricultural water rates
 Enforcement of recreation dike use in agricultural areas
 Regional dialogue on agriculture
o Agricultural Land Commission
 Enforcement of land use regulations in the ALR
o Delta School District
 School programs engaging students and families in food knowledge and
agricultural awareness
o Delta Chamber of Commerce
 Agricultural business attraction and retention
 Recommendations to support, lobby, advocate for, and encourage actions by other lead
agencies, such as:
o BC Government
 Smaller scale farming needs assessment
 Development of standards to limit non-farm use of the ALR (e.g., BCMA, ALC)
 Buy BC program
 Pilot projects to test alternative energy and waste management technologies on
farms
 Modification of farmland assessment to encourage farming and discourage rural
estates and idle farmland
 Developing greenhouse gas emission and carbon sequestration economic
opportunities for agriculture
 Development of provincial impact assessment guidelines and mitigations
respecting farmland
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o
Federal Government
 Collaboration on guidelines and regulatory processes affecting farmland use
 Changes to inheritance rules to lessen tax implications of farm succession on
sibling to sibling and extended family transfers
 Development of federal impact assessment guidelines and mitigations
respecting farmland
Appendix Table B presents a detailed description of all the recommended actions, implementing
agencies, time lines and priorities for action. The time lines are suggestions for starting a recommended
action. Section 5 provides additional context to the recommended actions.
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Table 1: Highest Priority Recommended Actions for Implementing the Delta Agricultural Plan
Item Implementing
Recommended Action
How to Get Started
Agency (1)
Actions for Delta as Lead
1
2
3
4
 Create an economic development initiative
for agriculture in Delta, tasked with finding
Support: DCOC,
and promoting opportunities for
DFI, BCMA,
agricultural processing in Delta, identifying
AAFC
new crop opportunities, liaising with
agricultural researchers and technology
providers, attracting business, and
identifying funding and programs (section
5.1.1, p. 6)
Lead: Delta
 Investigate the feasibility of attracting
processors for local crops by providing
Support: DFI,
financial incentives and serviced locations.
BC Fresh,
Identify and target appropriate scale
DCOC, BCFPA,
niche and value chain opportunities
SSFPA
(section 5.1.1, p. 6)
Lead: Delta
 Advocate with Metro Vancouver for
regional bulk water rates for agriculture or
Support: DFI,
otherwise reduce the cost of municipal
Metro
water to farmers (section 5.1.2, p. 6)
Vancouver
Lead: Delta
Lead: Delta
Support: DFI
 Initiate discussions with the
DCOC
 Meet with DFI to identify
agricultural needs and
identify potential
opportunities
 Meet with DFI, BC Fresh, to
identify agricultural needs
and opportunities
 Initiate discussions with the
DCOC to identify constraints
 Initiate discussions with
Metro Vancouver to set bulk
water rates for agriculture
 Review municipal water
delivery options
 Continue to work with
farmers to identify
opportunities for water
conservation
 Support farmers in dealings with federal
 Investigate and collaborate
and provincial agencies, such as the
with DFI to develop an
Department of Fisheries and Oceans and
understanding of local
BC Ministry of Environment, to ensure that
agricultural concerns relating
conditions for efficient agriculture are
to environmental agencies
enhanced, and specifically work toward
 Work with the UBCM to
“agriculture-friendly” protocols for ditch
represent agriculture and
and dike maintenance that protect the
environment issues in Delta
environment and are timely, reasonable
to the provincial Partnership
and feasible from an agricultural
Committee on Agriculture
perspective (section 5.1.5, p. 8)
and the Environment
17
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Item
5
6
7
8
9
Implementing
Agency (1)
 Regularly review and update checklists and  Engage with AAC to identify
guidelines to assist farmers with municipal
regulatory issues and
Support: AAC,
regulatory
processes,
encourage
prepotential solutions
DFI
application meetings, and conduct site
visits to gain understanding of proposed
farm improvements where
appropriate(section 5.1.5, p. 8)
Lead: Delta
 Monitor and report on water quality
 Create agricultural water
related
to
agricultural
water
needs
and
quality monitoring and
Support: AAC,
use (section 5.2.1, p. 8)
reporting program near
DFI
industrial areas (Tilbury, TFN
and airport) and perimeter
ditches
 Continue to test salinity of
irrigation water
 Identify with the AAC other
contaminants of concern for
testing
Lead: Delta
 Ensure municipal water is accessible to
 Work with Metro Vancouver
support high valued crops production and
and BCMA on the regional
Support: Metro
on-farm
processing
(section
5.2.1,
p.
8)
water model
Vancouver,
BCMA, DFI
Lead: Delta
 Continue to improve agricultural drainage  Investigate agricultural
and irrigation (section 5.2.1, p. 8)
drainage and servicing issues
Support: DFI
Lead: Delta
Lead: Delta
Support: DFI,
DFWT, BCMA,
Metro
Vancouver,
BCAC
11
How to Get Started
Lead: Delta
Support: DFI
10
Recommended Action
 Update the Delta Strategic Transportation
Plan by taking into account the effects of
commuters and population growth on
rural traffic congestion, providing
continued farmer access to dikes, and
including identification of, and strategies
to improve accessibility to, hard-to-reach
farmland in Delta (section 5.2.2, p. 9)
 Expand the agriculture webpage on Delta’s
website, with ‘operation/farmer of the
month’ features, ‘fact sheets’, seasonal
updates, and provide links to resources
for residents who want to connect to local
agriculture, such as the seasonal Farm
Fresh Guide (section 5.4.1, p. 12)
 Support and expand opportunities for
community gardens/urban agriculture
Support: NGOs,
demonstrations to promote agricultural
SFCF, KPU, AAC
awareness, through additional funding,
Lead: Delta
18
 Investigate site-specific
infrastructure gaps
 Plan to alleviate deficiencies
 Engage farm groups to
gauge interest and to
identify participants who
will provide information
 Develop business plan to
identify funding mechanism,
target audience and system
maintenance
 Engage community groups
to determine needs
 Explore feasibility of
encouraging community
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Item
Implementing
Agency (1)
Recommended Action
supportive bylaws and provision of land
(section 5.4.1, p. 12)
12
Lead: Delta
 Create an annual municipal bursary fund
to support a student studying agriculture
or agrology (section 5.4.1, p. 12)
How to Get Started
gardens in BCH rights-ofway by providing access to
water supply
 Establish the bursary
Actions for Delta with Partners
 Participate in implementing the Regional
Food Systems Strategy by working with
the Metro Vancouver Agricultural Advisory
Support: Metro
Committee regionally and coordinating
Vancouver,
with the Delta AAC locally (section 5.1.1, p.
AAC
6)
13
Lead: Delta,
DFI
14
Lead: Delta,
ALC
Support:
BCMA, Metro
Vancouver
15
Lead: Delta,
Province,
Canada
Support: DFI,
AAC, BCMA
16
17
Lead: Delta,
Metro
Vancouver,
Other
municipalities
Support:
BCMA, DFI,
FVFDMA
Lead: Delta,
ALC
Support: DFI,
AAC
 Engage Delta farmers to
champion Delta’s
Agricultural Plan at the
regional level
 Identify actions in the RFSS
that Delta can pursue at a
local level
 Engage with AAC to identify
technologies, regulatory
issues and potential
solutions
 Assist farmers to navigate the regulatory
requirements in pursuing innovative
projects (e.g., energy and waste
management technologies), on-farm value
added and diversification (section 5.1.4, p.
7)
 Update irrigation information to identify
 Investigate outstanding
other areas where water-related factors
agricultural irrigation and
continue to be a production constraint and
servicing needs
lobby for financial programs to improve
 Review ALUI conducted in
and extend irrigation improvements, to
Delta by BCMA
areas such as southeast Delta and
Westham Island (section 5.2.1, p. 9).
 In collaboration with Metro Vancouver,
 Investigate to determine
neighbouring municipalities and BC
specific needs
Ministry of Agriculture, investigate options  Coordinate delivery with
for providing agrologist services to assist
Metro Vancouver, BCMA
start up farmers and in identifying funding
and neighbouring
sources to pursue new business ideas
municipalities
(section 5.3.1, p. 9)
 Improve enforcement of existing
regulations in farming areas including soil
filling, storage, waste dumping, and
maintenance of agricultural properties,
engaging the AAC to assist in spotting
19
 Continue review with DFI
and ALC
 Engage the AAC to assist in
spotting violations and
problem areas
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Item
18
Implementing
Agency (1)
Lead: Delta,
DFI, FVDFMA
Support:
BCMA, BCATA,
COABC,
BCAFM, EWS,
Commodity
Associations
19
Lead: Delta,
Metro
Vancouver,
DSD, FHA
Support: DFI,
FVFDMA,
BCAC, PIBC,
Agriculture in
the Classroom,
SRD4-HD
20
Lead: Delta,
DFWT
Support: DFI,
AAC, DU
Recommended Action
How to Get Started
violations and problem areas (section
5.3.3, p. 11)
 Develop a multi-partner communication
plan to engage farm groups, e.g., by
creating contact lists of farmers willing to
educate the public, distributing a
“Champions of Farming” speakers list to
the Rotary Club, Delta Chamber of
Commerce and other groups, encouraging
presentations on agricultural issues, and to
engage the public (e.g., including
agricultural awareness events, newspaper
coverage, crop information, and farm field
identification) (section 5.4.1, p. 12)
 Support educational initiatives including
agriculture in the secondary school
curriculum (agriculture in the classroom),
Surrey Richmond Delta 4-H District and
agriculture forums for municipal staff and
politicians, engaging the Delta School
District, Fraser Health Authority,
professional associations, and Metro
Vancouver to host (section 5.4.1, p. 12)
 Dedicate staff to carry out
functions
 Engage partners to
investigate and determine
specific needs and delivery
model
 Coordinate delivery with
support groups
 Encourage newspapers to
increase coverage of
agricultural stories
 Consider putting local food
supply information on the
Delta website
 In collaboration with Metro
Vancouver, municipalities,
and institutions, deliver
educational workshops
 Engage MOED and DSD to
use current BCAC resources
 Work with Metro Vancouver
to generate momentum for
the RFSS
 Engage with the Delta Farmland and
Wildlife Trust to promote initiatives to
foster public awareness of how farmland
sustains wildlife and habitat and to build
support for more equitable sharing of the
costs of providing ecological goods and
services (section 5.4.2, p 13)
 Continue to support
agriculture municipally
through DFWT, Ducks
Unlimited, and DFI
 Support farmers by
educating the public and
fostering public awareness
of the benefits of farming
 Advocate with Metro
Vancouver to assess an
agricultural levy on
taxpayers to be used to
support local farmers
 Apply for IAF funding to
pursue a pilot project
 Investigate appropriate new
initiatives
20
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Item
Implementing
Agency (1)
21
Lead: Delta,
Metro
Vancouver,
Other
municipalities
Support: BCAC,
BCMA, BCFPA,
SSFPA, DCOC
Recommended Action
 Work with Metro Vancouver and other
lower Mainland municipalities to
investigate the feasibility of regional
branding for agricultural products,
developing a “buy regional” policy for local
governments, engaging businesses,
schools, government agencies, and
institutions to participate (section 5.4.3, p.
13)
How to Get Started
 Under take feasibility study
 Engage farmers, government
and industry to participate
Actions Lead by Other Agencies
22
Lead: BCMA
Support: Delta,
BCAC, ALC
23
Lead: BCMA,
BCATA,
Community
Futures, NGOs,
KPU, UBC,
COABC,
BCAFM
Support:
FVDFMA, DFI,
Delta, LMHIA
24
Lead: BCMA,
FF/CF, NGOs,
FVFDMA,
BCAFM,
COABC,
Commodity
Associations
Land Trusts
 Work with farmers to develop
technological and land based solutions to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions
associated with agricultural practices and
to make farm business more resilient to
future impacts of climate change by
investing in adaptation strategies for
agriculture.(section 5.1.4, p. 7)
 Initiate research to assess
climate change issues and
options for agriculture
 Identify ways agriculture can
benefit from climate change
solutions
 Support the Climate Change
Initiative to promote onfarm adaptation
 Enhance relationships with Delta farmers,  Lobby BCMA to investigate
secondary and post-secondary education
needs of new/young
institutions, agricultural academies,
farmers
ministries and associations to facilitate
 Collaborate with
events and initiatives to provide
stakeholders to provide
new/young farmers with training,
venues for programs
mentoring, technical expertise, production  Access programs offering
knowledge, and access to agricultural
assistance in these areas
programs that would promote knowledge  Investigate opportunities to
transfer and build capacity in smaller scale
work with post secondary
farming (section 5.3.1, p. 9)
institutions
 Explore and support farming models that
 Engage potential partners,
develop stronger connections between the
such as NGOs, Land Trusts,
farming community and the local
community agriculture
marketplace and encourage new
groups, and direct farm
agricultural enterprise, such as community
marketers to assess interest
supported agriculture, cooperatives, local
food alliances, and community networks
(section 5.3.1, p. 10)
Support: DFI,
Delta
21
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Item
25
Implementing
Agency (1)
Lead: BCAA
Support: Delta,
DFI, TLC
26
27
28
Lead: BCAA,
BCMA, ALC
Recommended Action
 Investigate incentives to encourage active
farmland use, by improving access by
aspiring and landless farmers, spurring
existing non-farming farmland owners to
lease out their land, exploring agricultural
trusts, and encouraging longer lease terms
(section 5.3.2, p. 10)
 Explore financial mechanisms to address
farmland speculation and deter nonagricultural development on farmland
(section 5.3.3, p. 11)
Support: Delta,
BCAC, UBCM
Lead:
 Build on existing farmer supported
FVFDMA,
agricultural awareness events such as
BCATA, BCAFM
“Farm Hike by Bike” or “A Day at the
Farm”, Delta Farm Tours, and “Meet Your
Support: Delta,
Maker” events, work with local
Chef
tourism/hospitality industry to initiate
Associations,
‘taste of Delta’ food promotions at Delta
NGOs, FF/CF,
restaurants and hotels, and other
LFF, EWS,
opportunities for the public to experience
COABC
local food and agriculture (section 5.4.1, p.
12)
Lead: BCMA,
 Encourage reports and research that show
AAFC,
what the returns to farmers are on
Agricultural
agricultural products, where the food
Academies
dollar goes in the food chain, and the cost
of food in relation to other staples in the
Support: Delta,
community (section 5.4.1, p. 12)
BCAC,
How to Get Started
 Lobby BCAA to develop
assessment policy to
encourage farming
 Collaborate with aspiring
farmers to identify access
issues
 Lobby for an investigation of
mechanisms for relieving
speculative pressure on
Delta farmland
 Engage stakeholders to
assess appetite for a
coordinated public
awareness initiative
 Lobby BCMA, AAFC, and
agricultural academies to
conduct research on these
topics
Commodity
Associations,
DFI
22
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Item
29
Recommended Action
Implementing
Agency (1)
Lead: ALC
Support:
BCMA, BCAC,
Delta, AAFC,
Metro
Vancouver,
UBCM, AAC
 Lobby the ALC, provincial ministries, BC
Environmental Assessment Office (EAO)
and the Canadian Environmental
Assessment Agency (CEAA) to develop a
better accounting perspective for agencies
to protect farmland and avert the loss of
agricultural land base to public
infrastructure works, transportation
projects, land claims, wildlife and fisheries
policy, incorporating as a last resort
enhancement, compensation and
mitigation to offset negative impacts on
agriculture (section 5.4.2, p. 13)
How to Get Started
 Request ALC to undertake
review of mechanisms, such
as fish and wildlife
mitigation, compensation
and enhancement, to
protect agriculture from
project impacts
 Initiate discussions with EAO
and CEAA to develop
appropriate agricultural
compensation policies and
review processes
 Involve responsible
ministries (e.g., MOEN) and
agencies (e.g., DFO) whose
interests are also affected
by farmland impacts
 Advocate with UBCM to
make agriculture a
provincial priority
(1) See List of Acronyms on page viii.
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7.0
Agricultural Plan Performance Indicators
The number of high priority recommended action in the Agricultural plan indicates a busy slate of
activities in support of agriculture. It is suggested that more specific performance indicators be selected
once an implementation schedule has been decided. Clearly, performance indicators should be selected
carefully for each action area to take advantage of data that is already collected or easily available. The
following indicators are proposed as examples of ways to measure the progress of the implementation
of the Agriculture Plan over the next five years.
7.1








7.2




7.3






7.4





Improve the Economic Sustainability of Delta Agriculture
Agricultural economic initiative developed that promotes processing capacity as a component of
agricultural viability in Delta
Addition of local crop processors
More enterprises doing on-farm value adding (number of business licenses and/or building
permit applications)
Farmers are provided tax relief through modifications in farm improvements taxation
Farm water costs are moderated through targeted actions
More acreage in DFWT programs
More farmers are adopting alternative fuel technologies
BCMA edge planning guidelines have been adopted.
Enhance the Agricultural Resource Base
Drainage and irrigation improvements are underway
Agricultural transportation addressed as part of the Strategic Transportation Plan update and
implemented
Transportation improvements for farmers are underway
Change in the amount of land with farm tax assessment status in Delta.
Create Opportunities for Efficiency, Competitiveness, Diversification
and New Entrants
More idle agricultural land is leased to farmers
Database of farm land leasing opportunities is operational
More farmers in small farm categories
Increasing gross farm receipts in small farm categories
Delta has helped to facilitate workshops on branding, niche markets, local processing and
mentoring opportunities for new farmers
Farmers Market is functioning well, with an expanded season, more participants, and more
marketing by local farmers.
Increase Public Support for Agriculture
Public land made available for community agricultural initiatives
Community supported agricultural celebrations and festivals
More residents involved in home gardening, allotment gardening
More schools are incorporating agriculture in their curricula
More land area used in allotment and community gardening in Delta
24
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

Expanded web site promoting local agriculture
More local products available in local food stores.
25
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APPENDICES
26
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Appendix A: Delta Agricultural Policies in the Official Community Plan
Delta’s OCP agricultural policies include:
2.5.1
2.5.2
2.5.3
2.5.4
2.5.5
2.5.6
2.5.7
2.5.8
2.5.9
2.5.10
2.5.11
2.5.12
2.5.13
2.5.14
2.5.15
2.5.16
2.5.17
2.5.18
2.5.19
Recognize farming as the primary use of agricultural land.
Maintain the parcel size of Delta’s agricultural land and encourage consolidation of agricultural
parcels to increase parcel size, rather than fragmentation of agricultural lands.
Support initiatives that reinforce farm use of agricultural land and the continued development
of a viable agricultural industry.
Use Agriculture Impact Assessments to quantify the impacts of a proposed development,
rezoning subdivision or non-farm use on the ALR, farmed lands or lands adjacent to farmed
lands. Require mitigation for possible impacts.
Consider alternate nonagricultural sites when recreational, institutional, industrial, commercial
uses or utility facilities are proposed for agricultural areas.
Continue to work with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, the Provincial Agricultural
Land Commission and other appropriate stakeholders and organizations to determine the
maximum threshold for greenhouses and other non-soil dependent farming operations that
preserves a critical mass of land for soil-based agriculture.
Encourage non-soil dependent farm operations to locate in areas of poorer soils and minimize
the impacts of these operations (e.g. air and light pollution).
Encourage farmers to undertake the highest standard of management practices for activities
that may result in noise, dust, smell, light or other nuisances, particularly if located near the
urban boundary.
Undertake a public awareness program to inform non-farm residents about normal farm
practices and urban activities that may result in difficulties for farmers.
Consider urban-rural edge planning initiatives, such as Development Permit Guidelines for the
urban side.
Support economic diversification initiatives accessory to and compatible with farming that add
value to locally produced farm products.
Work with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, the Provincial Agricultural Land
Commission and other farm stakeholders to determine and encourage appropriate economic
diversification initiatives.
Ensure agricultural processing industries that locate in agricultural areas are consistent with the
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries and the Provincial Agricultural Land Commission
legislation, regulations or policies.
Encourage businesses that support and service farming to locate in Delta
Develop zoning regulations that minimize the negative impacts of dwellings on farmland and
locate them to minimize servicing costs and promote clustering.
Ensure additional farm houses are necessary for farm use or retired farmers, as permitted in
Agricultural Land Commission legislation, regulations, or policies.
Consider incentives that encourage the preservation of heritage buildings on the same site.
Encourage cooperative decision making for agricultural-environmental issues. Encourage
initiatives, including best management practices, which support both farming and wildlife,
protect against soil erosion and degradation, and maintain water quality and hydrological
functions on agricultural land.
Support and if appropriate participate in studies to determine the impacts of greenhouses and
other agricultural and non-agricultural development on the Pacific Flyway, and study the
impacts of waterfowl on agricultural lands
27
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2.5.20 Recognize and protect environmentally significant areas of farmland, including hedgerows,
stands of trees, old fields, watercourses and other sensitive areas.
2.5.21 Continue to support programs that mitigate and compensate for crop damage from migratory
birds and on-farm stewardship activities such as set-asides, and hedgerows.
2.5.22 Minimize the negative impacts on farming and wildlife habitat when new agri-tourism,
transportation and utility corridors, regional recreational opportunities and other economic
initiatives are being developed.
2.5.23 Encourage farmers to prepare Best Management Practice Plans and Environmental Farm Plans.
2.5.24 Encourage other levels of government and non-government agencies to implement habitat
initiatives on agricultural land in cooperation with farmers.
2.5.25 Work with the GVRD, user groups, and stakeholders to educate recreational users of private
property rights, the implications of trespassing on farmland, nuisance activities for farming, and
security concerns of the farm community.
2.5.26 Support planning initiatives that minimize conflicts between recreational and farm users.
2.5.27 Encourage the equestrian community and commercial stables to provide training and other
initiatives for horse riders using public roads to reduce possible conflict with farm and non-farm
vehicles.
2.5.28 Consider updating the Delta Rural Land Use Study (1994).
2.5.29 Continue efforts to provide up-to-date agricultural regulations that support farming in Delta.
2.5.30 Support efforts to coordinate federal, provincial and municipal agricultural regulations.
28
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Appendix B: Summary of Recommended Actions, Implementing Agencies, Priority for Action, and Suggested Timeline
Timeline for Starting Action: Ongoing = continue; Immediate = within 1 year; Short = 1- 2 years; Medium = 2 – 5 years; Long = 5-10 years
Issue
Situation
Concerns
Recommended Actions
Implementing
Agencies
Priority
for Action
Timeline
Objective 1: Improve the Economic Sustainability of Delta Agriculture
1.1 Local Processing
and Marketing
Options (section
5.1.1, p. 7)
1.2 High Input Costs
(section 5.1.2, p.
7)
Loss of local
processing
Taxation and water
are significant input
 Farmers are facing
reduced cropping
options
 Cropping rotations
are disrupted
 Absence of a market
for second quality
produce
 High land and
building values are
increasing fixed
 Participate in implementing the Regional Food Systems Strategy
by working with the Metro Vancouver Agricultural Advisory
Committee regionally and coordinating with the Delta AAC
locally
 Encourage and facilitate local on-farm processing opportunities
with regulatory processes and requirements that encourage
diversification
 Create an economic development initiative for agriculture in
Delta, tasked with finding and promoting opportunities for
agricultural processing in Delta, identifying new crop
opportunities, liaising with agricultural researchers and
technology providers, attracting business, and identifying
funding and programs
 Investigate the feasibility of attracting processors for local crops
by providing, financial incentives and serviced locations. Identify
and target appropriate scale niche and value chain opportunities
 Investigate the feasibility of attracting processors using a
revitalization tax exemption program bylaw
 Lobby for the incorporation of on-farm value-added as eligible
farm income for farm tax assessment purposes
 Advocate with Metro Vancouver for regional bulk water rates for
agriculture (e.g., Capital Regional District) or otherwise reduce
the cost of municipal water to farmers
29
Lead: Delta, DFI
Support: Metro
Vancouver, AAC
High
Ongoing
Lead: Delta, ALC
Support: CFIA, BCFPA,
SSFPA , BCMA
Lead: Delta
Support: DCOC, DFI,
BCMA, AAFC
High
Ongoing
High
Immediate
Lead: Delta
Support: DFI, BC Fresh,
DCOC, BCFPA, SSFPA
High
Medium
Lead: Delta
High
Medium
Lead: BCAA
Medium
Short
High
Immediate
Lead: Delta
Support: Metro
Vancouver, DFI
Issue
Situation
costs
Concerns
costs of farming
 Delta farmers losing
competitive
position
Recommended Actions
 Investigate the feasibility of alternative fuel technologies (e.g.,
cogeneration) to support farm operations and reduce GHG
emissions
 Encourage farmer buying groups for inputs (fertilizer, feed, other
inputs)
 Advocate for a regional agricultural trust to acquire farmland
and provide affordable long term leases to farmers
 Lobby senior governments to investigate and research
opportunities and create incentives for farmers to reduce GHG
emissions
1.3 Rural-Urban
Interface
(section 5.1.3, p.
8).
Rural activities are
under constant
scrutiny of the nonfarming public
 Farming activities
need to be
protected from
unsubstantiated
claims
The rural urban fringe  Policies need to
can be a source of
protect farmers
land use conflicts
from unwarranted
conflicts with nonfarming residents on
the fringe and
 Lobby the province to investigate farmstead provisions that
would tax agricultural buildings and improvements of bona fide
farmers at a lower agricultural rate or provide tax exemption
(e.g., New York State, North Dakota)
 Implement OCP policy to adopt BCMA edge planning guidelines
for land use planning adjacent to agriculturally zoned lands
 Identify areas where dumping of waste on agricultural lands is
occurring, improve frequency of clean-up, and increase bylaw
enforcement
th
 Enforce parking regulations on farm roads (e.g., 88 Street),
littering regulations on trails adjacent to farmland (better
signage), and traffic regulations, especially speeding on rural
roads
 Review and maintain signage and provide education material to
recreational users that they are in an agricultural area and that
agricultural activities are acceptable
30
Implementing
Agencies
Lead: BCMA, AAFC
Support: Delta, ALC
Priority
for Action
Timeline
High
Short
High
Short
Medium
Medium
Medium
Medium
Low
Long
High
Ongoing
Lead: Delta
Support: AAC, DFI
Medium
Immediate
Lead: Delta
Medium
Immediate
Lead: Delta, Metro
Vancouver
Medium
Short
Lead: DFI
Lead: TLC
Support: Delta, Metro
Vancouver
Lead: Province, Canada
Vancouver, BCAC, BCMA,
ALC
Lead: BCAC, BCAA
Support: Delta
Lead: Delta
Issue
Situation
Concerns
within the ALR
1.4 Appropriate New
Technology
(section 5.1.4, p.
8).
1.5 Regulatory
Constraints and
Compliance
Costs (section
5.1.5, p. 9).
33
 Management of
recreational
conflicts
Farm operators need  Policies to permit
to intensify
new on-farm
operations and adopt
technologies in
technology
support of viability
innovations to stay
are not developed
competitive
 On-farm
intensification may
affect adjacent
farms
 Farmers must adapt
practices to
respond to climate
change
Federal and provincial  Approval processes
agencies
can be lengthy and
(administrative
costly
tribunals) are making  Environmental
decisions about the
regulations can
use of the ALR
affect farming
operations
 Administrative
Municipal and
decisions (e.g., FIRB)
Provincial approval
Recommended Actions
Implementing
Agencies
Priority
for Action
Timeline
 Require notification/disclosure on property transactions
adjacent to agricultural lands that purchasers may expect normal
33
farm practices, possibly through a covenant
 Periodically review noise and hunting bylaws to ensure they are
not constraining farming
 Encourage technological solutions that support farms to locate
on industrial lands near farms to protect farmland
 Assist farmers to navigate the regulatory requirements in
pursuing innovative projects (e.g., energy and waste
management technologies), on-farm value added and
diversification
 Work with farmers to develop technological and land based
solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with
agricultural practices and to make farm business more resilient
to future impacts of climate change by investing in adaptation
strategies for agriculture
Lead: Delta
Medium
Short
Lead: Delta
Medium
Long
Lead: Delta
High
Short
Lead: ALC, Delta
Support: BCMA, Metro
Vancouver
High
Long
Lead: BCMA
Support: Delta, BCAC, ALC
High
Long
 Support farmers in dealings with federal and provincial agencies,
such as Department of Fisheries and Oceans and BC Ministry of
Environment , to ensure that conditions for efficient agriculture
are enhanced, and specifically work towards ”agriculturefriendly” protocols for ditch and dike maintenance that protect
the environment and are timely, reasonable and feasible from
an agricultural perspective
 Build agricultural understanding in City Hall with agriculturally
qualified staff (e.g., professional agrologist), information
sessions, tours and dialogue
Lead: Delta
Support: DFI
High
On-going
Lead: Delta
Support: DFI, DFWT, AAC
High
Immediate
In the City of Surrey, for example, at time of development Restrictive Covenants are registered on lots adjacent to the agricultural designation to ensure that landscape buffers are completed and maintained.
City of Surrey. Residential Buffering Adjacent to the ALR/Agricultural Boundary. http://www.surrey.ca/files/O23.pdf
31
Issue
Situation
processes for farmrelated activities can
be complex
Concerns
can affect farmland
use and impact
future agricultural
production
Recommended Actions
 Improve enforcement of existing regulations in farming areas
including soil filling, storage, waste dumping, and maintenance
of agricultural properties, engaging the AAC to assist in spotting
 Encourage environmental planning, the adoption of beneficial
management practices, and other environmental initiatives to
reduce environmental risks and regulatory compliance costs
 Regularly review and update checklists and guidelines to assist
farmers with municipal regulatory processes, encourage preapplication meetings and conduct site visits to gain
understanding of proposed farm improvements where
appropriate.
Implementing
Agencies
Priority
for Action
Timeline
Lead: Delta, ALC
Support: AAC, DFI
High
Immediate
Lead: ARDCORP
Support: Delta, BCAC
High
Immediate
Lead: Delta
Support: AAC, DFI
Medium
Ongoing
 Ensure that irrigation works associated with the Gateway Project
are fully implemented
Lead: Delta
Support: DFI, AAC
High
Ongoing
 Monitor and report on water quality related to agricultural
water needs and use
Lead: Delta
Support: AAC, DFI
High
Ongoing
 Ensure municipal water is accessible to support high valued
crops production and on-farm processing
Lead: Delta
Support: Metro
Vancouver, BCMA, DFI
Lead: Delta
Support: DFI
Lead: Delta, Province,
Canada
Support: DFI, AAC, BCMA
High
On-going
High
Immediate
High
Short
Objective 2: Enhance the Agricultural Resource Base
2.1 Drainage and
Irrigation in the
ALR (section
5.2.1, p. 10)
Improved agricultural  Cost of operating
irrigation works are
the improved
being constructed as
irrigation project is
compensation to
not part of the
agriculture in
compensation
association with the
 Irrigation
Gateway project
infrastructure does
not meet irrigation
Areas of Delta
demand in
continue to be under
Westham Island and
supplied with
other pockets of
agricultural irrigation
farmland
water
 Irrigation water
Irrigation ditches in
salinity concerns
some areas of Delta
 Quality of storm
are also used as
water from
 Continue to improve agricultural drainage and irrigation
 Update irrigation information to identify other areas where
water-related factors continue to be a production constraint and
lobby for financial programs to improve and extend irrigation
32
Issue
Situation
Concerns
drainage ditches for
other uses

2.2 Rural Roads,
Transportation
and Field Access
(section 5.2.2, p.
10)
Traffic bottlenecks
make agricultural
movement difficult
Corridors between
farms are managed
without agricultural
access in mind




industrial areas
(e.g., Tilbury, TFN,
airport)
Agricultural waste
and garbage in
ditches
Some Delta
farmland is
inaccessible to
conventional
agricultural
machinery and
equipment
Access to dikes and
back roads by
agricultural
operators is limited
by narrow gates
Road safety on
many routes
Speed bumps
creating damage to
transported produce
Recommended Actions
Implementing
Agencies
Priority
for Action
Timeline
improvements, such as to southeast Delta and Westham Island
 Monitor how major projects such as the Roberts Bank Rail
Corridor, Gateway, and the Deltaport affect farm access and
address any problems
 Update the Delta Strategic Transportation Plan by taking into
account the effects of commuters and population growth on
rural traffic congestion, providing continued farmer access to
dikes, and including identification of, and strategies to improve
accessibility to, hard-to-reach farmland in Delta
 Continue to work with the farming community to explore
options to improve agricultural vehicle movement (e.g., through
the Highways Bylaw)
 Pursue senior governments for funding for transportation
improvement projects in support of agricultural transportation
 Lobby for inter-agency and TSI collaboration to reduce traffic
congestion and improve rail crossings affecting farming
operations
 Lobby the province for upgrading of the Westham Island Bridge
to accommodate increased traffic and larger implements
Lead: VPA, Province,
Delta
Support: AAC, BCMA, ALC
Lead: Delta
Support: DFI
High
Ongoing
High
Immediate
Lead: Delta
Support: DFI
High
Short
Lead: BCMA, AAFC
Support: Delta, UBCM
Lead : TSI, DPTLC, VPA,
DFI, MOTI
Support: Delta
Lead: MOTI
Support: Delta, DFI
High
Long
Medium
Medium
Medium
Long
High
Short
Objective 3: Create Opportunities for Efficiency, Competitiveness, Diversification and New Entrants
3.1 Smaller Scale
Farmers and
Diversification
(section 5.3.1, p.
Smaller scale farmers
are finding niche
opportunities
targeting local
 Difficulty in finding
land to operate on
 Land costs are
 In collaboration with Metro Vancouver, neighbouring
municipalities and the BC Ministry of Agriculture, investigate
options for providing agrologist services to assist start up
farmers and in identifying funding sources to pursue new
33
Lead: Delta, Metro
Vancouver, Other
municipalities
Support: BCMA, DFI,
Issue
9)
Situation
produce and
processing markets
Diversification
opportunities are
arising
Concerns




prohibitive
Skills of operators
may be low
Marketing is
challenging
Diversification
should support local
farming
Treatment of
smaller scale, valueadded, and
agritourism
operations may not
be consistent with
their status as
accepted
agricultural land
uses
Recommended Actions
business ideas
 Undertake a needs assessment for local smaller scale farmers
including strategies for supporting alternative cropping and
farming systems (e.g. organic, biodynamic, permiculture) that
respond to local and regional niche markets.
 Enhance relationships with Delta farmers, secondary and postsecondary education institutions, agricultural academies,
ministries and associations to facilitate events and initiatives to
provide new/young farmers with training, mentoring, technical
expertise, production knowledge, and access to agricultural
programs that would promote knowledge transfer and build
capacity in smaller scale farming
 Encourage seminars and workshops on production, niche
markets, business skills
 Explore and support farming models that develop stronger
connections between the farming community and the local
marketplace and encourage new agricultural enterprise, such as
community supported agriculture, cooperatives, local food
alliances, and community networks
 Lobby Farm Credit Canada for the development of financial
programs to assist low equity start-ups and encourage
development of micro-loan programs for smaller scale farming
(e.g., Van City Credit Union)
 Continue to support the Ladner Village Farmers’ Market and
make it more accessible to farmers
 Support on-farm internship programs (e.g., Canadian Farm
Business Management Council, Ontario CRAFT program,
WWOOF Canada)
 Develop a streamlined approval and taxation regimes in support
34
Implementing
Agencies
FVFDMA
Lead: BCMA
Support: Delta
Priority
for Action
Timeline
High
Short
Lead: BCMA, BCATA,
NGOs, Community
Futures, NGO’s, KPU,
UBC, COABC, BCAFM
Support: FVDFMA, DFI,
Delta, LMHIA
High
Short
Lead: BCMA, SSFPA,
BCFPA
Support: Delta, DFI,
FVFDMA
Lead: BCMA, FF/CF,
FVFDMA, BCAFM, COABC,
Commodity Associations,
Land Trusts
Support: DFI, Delta
Lead: AAFC, FCC, BCMA,
High
Short
High
Short
High
Short
Lead: Delta, DFI, Ladner
Village Farmers’ Market
Lead: DFI
Support: Delta
Medium
Ongoing
Medium
Short
Lead: ALC, BCAA,
Medium
Medium
Vancouver
Issue
Situation
Concerns
Recommended Actions
of farms pursuing diversification
 Lobby senior governments for the development of family trust
legislation to facilitate transfer of farmland between generations
3.2 Lease Access to
Farmland
(section 5.3.2, p.
11)
3.3 Non-Farm Use of
the ALR (section
5.3.3, p. 12)
 Farm tax status is
not a sufficient
inducement to allow
farming
Non-farmers are
 Non-farmers may be
restricting land lease
more interested in
to low intensity
farm tax status than
agriculture uses
in facilitating
agriculture
Farmland is being
 Farmers on short
maintained in an
leases are
unimproved capability
discouraged from
making
improvements to
the land
Land is not available
for leases for farming
Farmland in the ALR is  Fragmentation of
used for rural
the farmland base
residential purposes
 Under-utilization of
at the expense of
farmland
viable agriculture
 Activities occurring
on farmland not
related to farming
Recreational vehicles  Potential
and trucks being
environmental risks
 Investigate incentives to encourage active farmland use, by
improving access by aspiring and landless farmers, spurring
existing non-farming farmland owners to lease out their land,
exploring agricultural trusts, and encouraging longer term leases
 Assist in creating a website or farmland registry for linking a
database of potential tenants to a database of potential
landlords
 Make municipal and Crown land available for farming under
lease to young farmers and new entrants
 Lobby BCMA to develop a clearing house of information on
rental terms, leases, agreements and business arrangements,
including cooperatives and farm equipment bank models
 Explore new relationships with existing land trusts (e.g., Ducks
Unlimited, The Land Conservancy), to increase access to
farmland by farmers
 Support Delta’s bylaw limiting the size of the footprint and siting
of residential structures and access in the ALR to conserve
farmland for agricultural production
 Improve enforcement of existing regulations in farming areas
including soil filling, storage, waste dumping, and maintenance
of agricultural properties, engaging the AAC to assist in spotting
 Explore financial mechanisms to address farmland speculation
and deter non-agricultural development on farmland
35
Implementing
Agencies
Priority
for Action
Timeline
Support: Delta, BCMA,
BCAC
Lead: CRA, AAFC
Support: Delta, UBCM,
BCAC
Lead: BCAA
Support: Delta, DFI, TLC
Medium
Long
High
Short
High
Short
High
Short
Medium
Short
Medium
Medium
Lead: Delta
Support: ALC, AAC, DFI,
Metro Vancouver
Lead: Delta, ALC
Support: DFI, AAC
High
Ongoing
High
Ongoing
Lead: BCAA, BCMA, ALC
Support: Delta, BCAC,
High
Short
Lead: FVFDMA, BCATA,
FF/CF, SFCF
Support: BCMA, DFI,
Delta
Lead: Delta, MOEN,
Metro Vancouver
Lead: BCMA
Support: Delta, BCAC, DFI
Lead: DU, TLC, NGOs,
Support: Delta
Issue
Situation
Concerns
Recommended Actions
stored on farmland
 Collaborate with the farming sector to develop a more effective
parking and storage policy in the ALR, including options
respecting non-agricultural vehicles and enforcement
 Educate rural-residential property owners about normal impacts
associated with adjacent agricultural operations and create
awareness among realtors and non-agricultural property
purchasers of farming activities in the ALR
 Encourage agricultural and other land trusts to make their
farmland available to Delta famers without covenants that
restrict its agricultural use
 Initiate discussions with the Tsawwassen First Nation toward
developing mutually beneficial and supporting agricultural
strategies in Delta
Implementing
Agencies
UBCM
Lead: ALC, Delta
Support: DFI, AAC
Priority
for Action
Timeline
High
Short
Lead: Delta
Support: FVREB, REBGV
Medium
On-going
Lead: ALC
Support: Delta
Medium
Short
Lead: Delta
Medium
Short
Objective #4: Increase Public Support for Agriculture
4.1 Public Awareness
of Local
Agriculture
(section 5.4.1, p.
13)
The public does not
understand why it is
important to support
the local agricultural
sector
The public does not
know where its food
comes from
The public is not
aware of farming
 Agriculture cannot
compete for land
and resources
without public
support and
consideration
 The substantial
benefits and
intrinsic values that
local agriculture
provides need to be
known
 Build on existing farmer supported agricultural awareness
events such as “Farm Hike by Bike” or “A Day at the Farm”, Delta
Farm Tours, and “Meet Your Maker” events, work with local
tourism/hospitality industry to initiate ‘taste of Delta’ food
promotions at Delta restaurants and hotels, and other
opportunities for the public to experience local food and
agriculture
 Expand the agriculture webpage on Delta’s website, with
‘operation/farmer of the month’ features, ‘fact sheets’, seasonal
updates, and provide links to resources for residents who want
to connect to local agriculture, such as the seasonal Farm Fresh
Guide
Lead: FVFDMA, BCATA,
BCAFM
Support: Delta, Chef
Associations, NGOs,
FF/CF, LFF, EWS, COABC
High
Ongoing
Lead: Delta
Support: DFI, DFWT,
BCMA, Metro
High
Ongoing
 Increase information dissemination and communications with
the public about mutually beneficial agriculture/wildlife
Lead: DFWT, DFI
Support: Delta
High
Ongoing
36
Vancouver, BCAC
Issue
Situation
systems promoting
diversity of crops and
ongoing stewardship
Government projects
are expanding
transportation
corridors in Delta.
There is public
demand for parks,
conservation
reserves, and
farmland has been
removed for treaty
settlement
Concerns
Recommended Actions
Implementing
Agencies
Priority
for Action
Timeline
interactions in Delta
 Develop a multi-partner communication plan to engage farm
groups, e.g., by creating contact lists of farmers willing to
educate the public, distributing a “Champions of Farming”
speakers list to the Rotary Club, Delta Chamber of Commerce
and other groups, and encouraging presentations on agricultural
issues, and to engage the public, (e.g., including agricultural
awareness events, newspaper coverage, crop information, and
farm field identification)
 Support and expand opportunities for community
gardens/urban agriculture demonstrations to promote
agricultural awareness, through additional funding , supportive
bylaws and provision of land
 Support educational initiatives including agriculture in the
secondary school curriculum (agriculture in the classroom), SRD
4-H and agriculture forums for municipal staff and politicians,
engaging the Delta School District, Fraser Health Authority,
professional associations, and Metro Vancouver to host
 Create an annual municipal bursary fund to support a student
studying agriculture or agrology
 Encourage reports and research that show what the returns to
farmers are on agricultural products, where the food dollar goes
in the food chain, and the cost of food in relation to other
staples in the community
37
Lead: Delta, DFI, FVDFMA
Support: BCMA, BCATA,
COABC, BCAFM, EWS and
Commodity Associations
High
Immediate
Lead: Delta
Support: NGOs, SFCF,
KPU, AAC
High
Immediate
Lead: Delta, Metro
Vancouver, DSD, FHA
Support: DFI, FVFDMA,
BCAC, PIBC, Agriculture in
the Classroom, SRD4-H
Lead: Delta
High
Immediate
High
Immediate
Lead: BCMA, AAFC,
Agricultural Academies
Support: Delta, BCAC,
Commodity Associations,
High
Short
Issue
Situation
Concerns
Recommended Actions
 Continue Delta’s kids’ garden contest
 Review and expand signage to identify agricultural areas, what is
grown in those areas, and respect for farm traffic
4.2 Public
Responsibility for
Induced
Agricultural
Impacts (section
5.4.2, p. 14)
 Agriculture is
 Engage with the Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust (DFWT) to
experiencing annual
promote initiatives to foster public awareness of how farmland
unsustainable
sustains wildlife and habitat and to build support for more
damages from
equitable sharing of the costs of providing ecological goods and
waterfowl
services
 Farmers are
 Lobby senior governments for programs to compensate farmers
The public is only
restricted in crop
for wildlife crop damage, through participation in federal –
vaguely aware of how
choices
provincial waterfowl damage compensation programs
public projects are
 Economic yields are  Lobby the ALC, provincial ministries, BC Environmental
affecting agriculture
reduced
Assessment Office and the Canadian Environmental Assessment
 Farm economic
Agency to develop a better accounting perspective for agencies
sustainability is
to protect farmland and avert the loss of agricultural land base
threatened
to public infrastructure works, transportation projects, land
claims, wildlife and fisheries policy, incorporating as a last resort
 Corridor expansions
enhancement, compensation and mitigation to offset negative
are taking farmland
out of production,
impacts on agriculture
creating economic
 Support research into integrated farm-level strategies to
losses to agriculture
mitigate the potential for damages from waterfowl
 Farm costs
associated with
 Advocate with Metro Vancouver to establish a program to
providing public
compensate farmers for ecological goods and services that
ecological goods and
agricultural land provides (e.g. creating a regional levy)
services
 Work with environmental agencies to develop effective ways of
Wildlife use of
farmland is extensive
and increasing due to
rising populations
38
Implementing
Agencies
DFI
Lead: Delta
Lead: Delta
Support: DFI
Priority
for Action
Timeline
Medium
Medium
Ongoing
Ongoing
Lead:, Delta, DFWT
Support: DFI, AAC, DU
High
Ongoing
Lead: BCMA, AAFC
High
Immediate
Lead: ALC
Support: BCAC, BCMA,
Delta,, AAFC, Metro
Vancouver, UBCM, AAC
High
Short
Lead: DFWT
Delta
Lead: Metro Vancouver.
Support: Delta
High
Short
High
Medium
Medium
Medium
Lead: MOEN, CWS
Issue
Situation
Concerns
Recommended Actions
managing agriculturally sustainable wildlife populations
 Lobby senior governments for waterfowl BMPs under the
Environmental Farm Plan program

Implementing
Agencies
Support: Delta
Lead: BCAC
Priority
for Action
Medium
Procurement of food  Local markets
High
 Work with Metro Vancouver and other lower Mainland
Lead: Metro Vancouver,
by local institutions
should support local
municipalities to investigate the feasibility of regional branding
Delta, Other
and government does
agriculture,
for agricultural products, developing a “buy regional” policy for
municipalities
not consider food
wherever feasible
local governments, and engaging businesses, schools,
source
government agencies, and institutions to participate
 Farmers are not
BCFPA, SSFPA, DCOC
paid
for
ecological
Lead:
BCMA, AAFC
High

Pursue
opportunities
to
re-instate
on-farm
field
trials
function,
Farmers provide nongood
and
services
specifically
in
relation
to
crops
grown
in
Delta
and
responses
to
Support:
DFI,
Metro
market benefits to
 Agriculture needs
cope with impending climate change
Vancouver
society
guidance in
Lead: BCMA, BCAC
Medium

Lobby
the
province
for
a
re-instatement
of
the
“Buy
BC”
Farmers need
accessing carbon
Support: Delta
program
research to adapt to
sequestration
Lead: Province,
Medium
 Explore on-farm carbon tax and sequestration responses that
new needs and
benefits
AAFC,BCMA
would
provide
economic
benefits
to
farming
challenges
 Local conditions
increase the need
for local research
Note: (1) See List of Acronyms on Page viii; (2) Timeline for Starting Action: Ongoing = continue; Immediate = within 1 year; Short = 1- 2 years; Medium = 2 – 5 years; Long = 5-10 years
4.3 Local Institutional
Support for
Agriculture
(section 5.4.3, p.
15)
39
Timeline
Medium
Short
Short
Short
Medium

Delta Agricultural Plan - The Corporation of Delta

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